U.S. patent number 10,750,817 [Application Number 15/376,104] was granted by the patent office on 2020-08-25 for articles of footwear with asymmetrical segmented plates.
This patent grant is currently assigned to NIKE, Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is NIKE, Inc.. Invention is credited to Leslie Barnes, Thomas G. Bell, Dustin Hatfield, John Hurd, Troy C. Lindner, Geng Luo, Gordon A. Valiant, Jay T. Worobets.
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United States Patent |
10,750,817 |
Barnes , et al. |
August 25, 2020 |
Articles of footwear with asymmetrical segmented plates
Abstract
A pair of sole plates for a complementary pair of articles of
footwear may generally include a first article with a first sole
plate and a second article with a second sole plate, where the
first sole plate is asymmetrical with respect to the second sole
plate. The first sole plate includes a first groove that extends
along a first lateral side of the first sole plate, and the second
sole plate includes a second groove that extends along a second
medial side of the second sole plate. The asymmetry of first sole
plate with respect to second sole plate may improve performance,
flexibility, and agility during running and in particular, during
athletic events along a curved track.
Inventors: |
Barnes; Leslie (Portland,
OR), Bell; Thomas G. (Portland, OR), Hatfield; Dustin
(San Francisco, CA), Hurd; John (Lake Oswego, OR),
Lindner; Troy C. (Portland, OR), Luo; Geng (Portland,
OR), Valiant; Gordon A. (Beaverton, OR), Worobets; Jay
T. (Portland, OR) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIKE, Inc. |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
NIKE, Inc. (Beaverton,
OR)
|
Family
ID: |
57755469 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/376,104 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2016 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20170196305 A1 |
Jul 13, 2017 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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62276602 |
Jan 8, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B
3/0094 (20130101); A43B 5/06 (20130101); A43B
5/02 (20130101); A43B 13/141 (20130101); A43B
13/026 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A43B
13/14 (20060101); A43B 5/06 (20060101); A43B
5/02 (20060101); A43B 13/02 (20060101); A43B
3/00 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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102631049 |
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Aug 2012 |
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CN |
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163236 |
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May 1921 |
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GB |
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326700 |
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Mar 1930 |
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GB |
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2005013365 |
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Jan 2005 |
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JP |
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2016004352 |
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Jan 2016 |
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WO |
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Other References
"Anzen-tabi non slip sole work boots shoes for men mountain
walking" Aug. 16, 2014
http://www.alibaba.com/cache/Anzen-tabi-non-slip-sole-work_13805-
9115.html. cited by applicant .
Logan, Suzanna, et al. "Ground reaction force differences between
running shoes, racing flats, and distance spikes in runners."
Journal of sports science & medicine 9.1 (2010): 147
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3737977/. cited by
applicant .
Larson, Peter, et al. "Foot strike patterns of recreational and
sub-elite runners in a long-distance road race." Journal of sports
sciences 29.15 (2011): 1665-1673
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02640414.2011.610347.
cited by applicant .
Van Rens, B.J.E., et al. "Energy return in running surfaces."
Eindhoven: Technische Universiteit Eindhoven. 46p (1994)
http://alexandria.tue.nl/repository/books/652989.pdf. cited by
applicant .
Pang, Nick. "The Split-Toe Running Shoe: Topo Athletic RR Racing
Shoe Reviewed." Natural Running Center, Jul. 21, 2013.
http://naturalrunningcenter.com/2013/07/21/topo-athletic-rr-racing-shoe-r-
eview/. cited by applicant .
Mar. 31, 2017--(WO) International Search Report and Written
Opinion--App PCT/US2016/066816. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Lynch; Megan E
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Banner & Witcoff, Ltd.
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
This application claims priority benefits to U.S. Provisional
Patent Appln. No. 62/276,602 filed Jan. 8, 2016 and entitled
"Articles of Footwear with Asymmetrical Segmented Plates." This
priority application is entirely incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A complementary pair of sole plates for use with a left article
of footwear and a right article of footwear of a pair of shoes,
comprising: a first plate for one article of footwear of the pair
of shoes, and a second plate for another article of footwear of the
pair of shoes; the first plate including a first groove extending
through an entire thickness of the first plate that divides a
forefoot portion of the first plate into a first continuous lateral
plate portion and a first continuous medial plate portion, wherein
the first groove is the only groove extending completely through
the first plate, and wherein the first groove extends: (a) from a
first open end located at an anterior edge of the first plate to
(b) a first closed end located within an interior portion of the
first plate and rearward of the first open end; the second plate
including a second groove extending through an entire thickness of
the second plate that divides a forefoot portion of the second
plate into a second continuous lateral plate portion and a second
continuous medial plate portion, wherein the second groove is the
only groove extending completely through the second plate, and
wherein the second groove extends: (a) from a second open end
located at an anterior edge of the second plate to (b) a second
closed end located within an interior portion of the second plate
and rearward of the second open end; wherein a maximum width of the
first continuous lateral plate portion is greater than a maximum
width of the second continuous lateral plate portion; and wherein a
maximum width of the first continuous medial plate portion is less
than a maximum width of the second continuous medial plate portion,
the complementary pair of sole plates having an asymmetric
configuration with respect to one another.
2. The complementary pair of sole plates according to claim 1,
wherein the first groove is substantially linear.
3. The complementary pair of sole plates according to claim 1,
wherein the first continuous lateral plate portion of the first
plate and the second continuous medial plate portion of the second
plate are configured to be disposed nearer to an inside curve of a
track when worn by a user running along a curved portion of the
track in a selected one of either a clockwise or a
counter-clockwise direction.
4. The complementary pair of sole plates according to claim 1,
wherein the first continuous medial plate portion of the first
plate and the second continuous lateral plate portion of the second
plate are configured to be disposed nearer to an outside curve of a
track when worn by a user running along a curved portion of the
track in a selected one of either a clockwise or a
counter-clockwise direction.
5. The complementary pair of sole plates according to claim 1,
wherein the first plate includes a first cleat and the second plate
includes a second cleat.
6. The complementary pair of sole plates according to claim 1,
wherein the first plate is stiffer than the second plate.
7. The complementary pair of sole plates according to claim 1,
wherein the first continuous lateral plate portion has a different
stiffness from the first continuous medial plate portion.
8. The complementary pair of sole plates according to claim 1,
wherein the first groove differs from the second groove in one or
more of length, width, or shape.
9. The complementary pair of sole plates according to claim 1,
wherein the first plate includes a first medial side and a first
lateral side, wherein the second plate includes a second medial
side and a second lateral side, wherein the first groove is
disposed closer to the first medial side than to the first lateral
side, and wherein the second groove is disposed closer to the
second lateral side than to the second medial side.
10. A complementary pair of sole plates for a left article of
footwear and a right article of footwear of a pair of shoes,
comprising: a first plate for one article of footwear of the pair
of shoes, and a second plate for another article of footwear of the
pair of shoes; wherein the first plate includes a first groove
extending through an entire thickness of the first plate that
divides a forefoot portion of the first plate into a first
continuous lateral plate portion and a first continuous medial
plate portion, wherein the first groove is the only groove
extending completely through the first plate, and wherein the first
groove extends: (a) from a first open end located at an anterior
edge of the first plate to (b) a first closed end located within an
interior portion of the first plate and rearward of the first open
end; wherein the second plate includes a second groove extending
through an entire thickness of the second plate that divides a
forefoot portion of the second plate into a second continuous
lateral plate portion and a second continuous medial plate portion,
wherein the second groove is the only groove extending completely
through the second plate, and wherein the second groove extends:
(a) from a second open end located at an anterior edge of the
second plate to (b) a second closed end located within an interior
portion of the second plate and rearward of the second open end;
wherein the first plate has a first stiffness, and wherein the
second plate has a second stiffness; wherein the first stiffness is
different than the second stiffness, and wherein the first plate
and the second plate have an asymmetric configuration with respect
to one another.
11. The complementary pair of sole plates according to claim 10,
wherein the first plate and the second plate have the asymmetric
configuration with respect to locations of the first groove and the
second groove.
12. The complementary pair of sole plates according to claim 1,
wherein the maximum width of the first continuous lateral plate
portion is at least 15% greater than the maximum width of the
second continuous lateral plate portion, and wherein the maximum
width of the first continuous medial plate portion is at least 15%
less than the maximum width of the second continuous medial plate
portion.
13. The complementary pair of sole plates according to claim 1,
wherein the maximum width of the first continuous lateral plate
portion is in a range of 30 mm to 115 mm, wherein the maximum width
of the second continuous lateral plate portion is in a range of 15
mm to 60 mm, wherein the maximum width of the first continuous
medial plate portion is in a range of 15 mm to 60 mm, and wherein
the maximum width of the second continuous medial plate portion is
in a range of 30 mm to 115 mm.
14. The complementary pair of sole plates according to claim 1,
wherein the maximum width of the first continuous lateral plate
portion is at least 25% greater than the maximum width of the
second continuous lateral plate portion, and wherein the maximum
width of the first continuous medial plate portion is at least 25%
less than the maximum width of the second continuous medial plate
portion.
15. The complementary pair of sole plates according to claim 1,
wherein the maximum width of the first continuous lateral plate
portion is at least 15% greater than the maximum width of the
second continuous lateral plate portion, wherein the maximum width
of the first continuous medial plate portion is at least 15% less
than the maximum width of the second continuous medial plate
portion, wherein the maximum width of the first continuous lateral
plate portion is in a range of 30 mm to 115 mm, wherein the maximum
width of the second continuous lateral plate portion is in a range
of 15 mm to 60 mm, wherein the maximum width of the first
continuous medial plate portion is in a range of 15 mm to 60 mm,
and wherein the maximum width of the second continuous medial plate
portion is in a range of 30 mm to 115 mm.
16. The complementary pair of sole plates according to claim 1,
wherein the maximum width of the first continuous lateral plate
portion is at least 25% greater than the maximum width of the
second continuous lateral plate portion, wherein the maximum width
of the first continuous medial plate portion is at least 25% less
than the maximum width of the second continuous medial plate
portion, wherein the maximum width of the first continuous lateral
plate portion is in a range of 20 mm to 100 mm, wherein the maximum
width of the second continuous lateral plate portion is in a range
of 20 mm to 50 mm, wherein the maximum width of the first
continuous medial plate portion is in a range of 20 mm to 50 mm,
and wherein the maximum width of the second continuous medial plate
portion is in a range of 20 mm to 100 mm.
17. The complementary pair of sole plates according to claim 1,
wherein the maximum width of the first continuous lateral plate
portion is at least 40% greater than the maximum width of the
second continuous lateral plate portion, wherein the maximum width
of the first continuous medial plate portion is at least 40% less
than the maximum width of the second continuous medial plate
portion, wherein the maximum width of the first continuous lateral
plate portion is in a range of 30 mm to 115 mm, wherein the maximum
width of the second continuous lateral plate portion is in a range
of 15 mm to 60 mm, wherein the maximum width of the first
continuous medial plate portion is in a range of 15 mm to 60 mm,
and wherein the maximum width of the second continuous medial plate
portion is in a range of 30 mm to 115 mm.
18. The complementary pair of sole plates according to claim 1,
wherein the first open end of the first groove is located at the
anterior edge of the first plate on a medial side of the first
plate and extends rearwardly to the first closed end, and wherein
the second open end of the second groove is located at the anterior
edge of the second plate on a lateral side of the second plate and
extends rearwardly to the second closed end.
19. The complementary pair of sole plates according to claim 1,
wherein the first open end of the first groove is located at the
anterior edge of the first plate on a medial side of the first
plate and extends rearwardly to the first closed end, wherein the
first groove is angled from the first open end toward a center line
of the first plate, and wherein the second open end of the second
groove is located at the anterior edge of the second plate on a
lateral side of the second plate and extends rearwardly to the
second closed end.
20. The complementary pair of sole plates according to claim 10,
wherein the first open end of the first groove is located at the
anterior edge of the first plate on a medial side of the first
plate and extends rearwardly to the first closed end, and wherein
the second open end of the second groove is located at the anterior
edge of the second plate on a lateral side of the second plate and
extends rearwardly to the second closed end.
Description
FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to articles of footwear
including running shoes for track events, and methods of making an
article of footwear.
BACKGROUND
Articles of footwear for sports such as running have previously
been proposed. While conventional running shoes for track events
generally include spikes to help give more grip, the soles are
typically designed with a flexible sole. In some instances, the
sole is formed of a flexible outsole.
Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an
upper and a sole structure. The upper is often formed from a
plurality of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheet
layers, foam layers, leather, synthetic leather) that are stitched
or adhesively bonded together to form a void on the interior of the
footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. More
particularly, the upper forms a structure that extends over instep
and toe areas of the foot, along medial and lateral sides of the
foot, and around a heel area of the foot. The upper may also
incorporate a lacing system to adjust fit of the footwear, as well
as permitting entry and removal of the foot from the void within
the upper. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends
under the lacing system to enhance adjustability and comfort of the
footwear, and the upper may incorporate a heel counter.
The sole structure is secured to a lower portion of the upper so as
to be positioned between the foot and the ground. In athletic
footwear, for example, the sole structure includes a midsole and an
outsole. The midsole may be formed from a polymer foam material
that attenuates ground reaction forces (i.e., provides cushioning)
during walking, running, and other ambulatory activities. The
midsole may also include fluid-filled chambers, plates, moderators,
or other elements that further attenuate forces, enhance stability,
or influence the motions of the foot, for example. The outsole
forms a ground-contacting element of the footwear and is usually
fashioned from a durable and wear-resistant rubber material that
includes texturing to impart traction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
This disclosure can be better understood with reference to the
following drawings and description. The components in the figures
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the
figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the different views.
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a pair of articles
of footwear with asymmetrical sole plates;
FIG. 2 is an illustration of an embodiment of a track;
FIG. 3 is an illustration of an embodiment of plantar pressure
regions;
FIG. 4 is an illustration of an embodiment of a pair of sole
plates;
FIG. 5 is an illustration of an embodiment of a pair of sole
plates;
FIG. 6 is an illustration of an embodiment of a pair of sole
plates;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the sole plate
for the first article of FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the sole plate
for the second article of FIG. 4;
FIG. 9 is a side view of an embodiment of the first article of FIG.
4 at rest;
FIG. 10 is a side view of an embodiment of the second article of
FIG. 4 at rest;
FIG. 11 is a side view of an embodiment of the first article of
FIG. 4 during flexing;
FIG. 12 is a side view of an embodiment of the second article of
FIG. 4 during flexing;
FIG. 13 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the articles of
FIG. 4 after a flexing of the sole plates;
FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the articles of
FIG. 4 after a flexing of the sole plates;
FIG. 15 is a bottom isometric view of an embodiment of the articles
of FIG. 4 after a flexing of the sole plates;
FIG. 16 is a bottom isometric view of an embodiment of the articles
of FIG. 4 after a flexing of the sole plates;
FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the
articles of FIG. 5; and
FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the
articles of FIG. 5.
DESCRIPTION
Embodiments can include provisions for providing asymmetric
properties to a pair of articles configured for use in activities
where different properties may be needed for the two articles. In
one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a complementary
pair of sole plates for use with articles of footwear comprising a
first plate and a second plate, where the first plate includes a
first groove that divides a forefoot portion of the first plate
into a first continuous lateral plate portion and a first
continuous medial plate portion. In addition, the second plate
includes a second groove that divides a forefoot portion of the
second plate into a second continuous lateral plate portion and a
second continuous medial plate portion. Furthermore, a maximum
width of the first continuous lateral plate portion is greater than
a maximum width of the second continuous lateral plate portion, and
a maximum width of the first continuous medial plate portion is
less than a maximum width of the second continuous medial plate
portion, thereby providing the pair of sole plates with an
asymmetric configuration.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a
complementary pair of sole plates for use with articles of
footwear, comprising a first plate and a second plate, where the
first plate includes a first groove that divides a forefoot portion
of the first plate into a first continuous lateral plate portion
and a first continuous medial plate portion. In addition, the
second plate includes a second groove and a third groove, where the
second groove and the third groove divide the forefoot portion of
the second plate into a second continuous lateral plate portion, a
first continuous intermediate plate portion, and a second
continuous medial plate portion, thereby providing the pair of sole
plates with an asymmetric configuration.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a
complementary pair of sole plates for articles of footwear
comprising a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a
first stiffness and the second plate has a second stiffness, and
the first stiffness is different than the second stiffness.
The following description discusses an exemplary embodiment in the
form of track shoes, but it should be noted that the present
concepts may be associated with any article of footwear, including,
but not limited to, basketball shoes, running shoes, track shoes,
field shoes, baseball shoes, rugby shoes, and football shoes as
well as possibly other kinds of shoes. The articles of footwear
shown in the figures may be intended to be used with a left foot
and a corresponding right foot. One object of the embodiments is to
provide an athletic shoe for field and track use, especially a
running shoe, which, while being as light as possible, is optimally
fitted to the anatomical conditions of the foot during the run, and
offers as little resistance as possible to the natural movements as
the runner traverses curved portions of a running track. In some
embodiments, performance along curved portions of a running track
may be enhanced for a wearer, and performance on straight portions
of the track can remain at a high level.
For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are
employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the
illustrated embodiments. The term "longitudinal," as used
throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a
direction extending a length of a sole structure, i.e., extending
from a forefoot region to a heel region of the sole. The term
"longitudinal axis," as used throughout this detailed description
and in the claims, refers to an axis oriented in a longitudinal
direction.
The term "forward" is used to refer to the general direction in
which the toes of a foot point, and the term "rearward" is used to
refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction in which the
heel of the foot is facing.
The term "lateral direction," as used throughout this detailed
description and in the claims, refers to a side-to-side direction
extending a width of a sole. In other words, the lateral direction
may extend between a medial side and a lateral side of an article
of footwear, with the lateral side of the article of footwear being
the surface that faces away from the other foot (i.e., the "little
toe" side), and the medial side being the surface that faces toward
the other foot (i.e., the "big toe" side). The term "lateral axis,"
as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims,
refers to an axis oriented in a lateral direction.
The term "horizontal," as used throughout this detailed description
and in the claims, refers to any direction substantially parallel
with the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction, and all
directions in between. In cases where an article is planted on the
ground, a horizontal direction may be parallel with the ground.
Similarly, the term "side," as used in this specification and in
the claims, refers to any portion of a component facing generally
in a lateral, medial, forward, and/or rearward direction, as
opposed to an upward or downward direction.
The term "vertical," as used throughout this detailed description
and in the claims, refers to a direction generally perpendicular to
both the lateral and longitudinal directions, along a vertical
axis. For example, in cases where a sole is planted flat on a
ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground
surface upward. It will be understood that each of these
directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of a
sole. Furthermore, the terms "outer surface" or "outer side," as
used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers
to the surface of a component that would be facing away from the
foot when worn by a wearer. "Inner surface" or "inner side," as
used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers
to the surface of a component that is facing inward, or the surface
that faces toward the foot when worn by a wearer.
For purposes of this disclosure, the foregoing directional terms,
when used in reference to an article of footwear, shall refer to
the article of footwear when sitting in an upright position, with
the sole facing groundward, that is, as it would be positioned when
worn by a wearer standing on a substantially level surface.
In addition, for purposes of this disclosure, the term "permanently
attached" shall refer to two components joined in a manner such
that the components may not be readily separated (for example,
without destroying one or both of the components). Example
modalities of permanent attachment may include joining with
permanent adhesive, rivets, stitches, nails, staples, welding or
other thermal bonding, and/or other joining techniques. In
addition, two components may be permanently attached by virtue of
being integrally formed, for example, in a molding process.
FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a complementary pair of
articles of footwear 100, or simply articles 100. Articles 100 may
include a first article 105 and a second article 107. For purposes
of this discussion, a complementary pair of articles refers to two
articles of footwear which are designed to be worn as a pair by one
user on a right foot and a left foot.
Articles 100 and components associated with articles 100 may be
characterized as having various portions or regions associated with
different portions or regions of a foot. Components described
herein may include a forefoot region disposed proximate a wearer's
forefoot. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, first article 105
includes a first forefoot region 10 and second article 107 includes
a second forefoot region 30. Articles 100 may also include a heel
region disposed proximate a wearer's heel and opposite the forefoot
region. For example, first article 105 includes a first heel region
14 and second article 107 includes a second heel region 34.
Articles 100 may further include a midfoot region disposed between
the forefoot region and the heel region. For example, first article
105 includes a first midfoot region 12 and second article 107
includes a second midfoot region 32. It should be noted that
throughout this description, the terms forefoot region, midfoot
region, and heel region may be associated with the various
components of an article of footwear, as well as regions of a
foot.
Referring to FIG. 1, articles 100 may include a medial side and a
lateral side opposite to the medial side. For example, as shown,
first article 105 includes a first medial side 22 and second
article 107 includes a second medial side 24. Furthermore, first
article 105 includes a first lateral side 20 and second article 107
includes a second lateral side 26. It should be noted that
throughout this description, the terms medial side and lateral side
may be associated with the various components of an article of
footwear, as well as regions of a foot.
In some embodiments, articles 100 can include a pair of sole
structures and a pair of uppers. For example, first article 105
includes a first sole structure 144 and a first upper 146, and
second article 107 includes a second sole structure 101 and a
second upper 104. In some embodiments, first upper 146 may be
attached to first sole structure 144 by any known mechanism or
method. For example, first upper 146 may be stitched to first sole
structure 144, or first upper 146 may be glued to first sole
structure 144. First upper 146 may be configured to receive a foot.
The exemplary embodiment shows a generic design for the uppers. In
some embodiments, the uppers may include another type of design.
For instance, first upper 146 may be a seamless warp knit tube of
mesh. It should be noted that second upper 104 may be similar to
first upper 146, and/or second sole structure 101 may be similar to
first sole structure 144.
It should further be understood that in some embodiments,
references or descriptions pertaining to first sole structure 144
may be applied to second sole structure 101. Similarly, references
or descriptions pertaining to first upper 146 may be applied to
second upper 104 in some embodiments. Thus, throughout the figures,
while only one article of footwear or components of one article of
footwear may be described in some cases, the description can be
understood to apply to both a left article of footwear and a
complementary right article of footwear.
Furthermore, in one embodiment, there may be sole components such
as sole plates that include exposed edges associated with the
medial side and the lateral side. For example, in FIG. 1, first
article 105 includes a first exposed medial edge 139 on first
medial side 22, and second article 107 includes a second exposed
medial edge 142 on second medial side 24. Furthermore, first
article 105 includes a first exposed lateral edge 141 on first
lateral side 20 and second article 107 includes a second exposed
lateral edge 145 on second lateral side 26.
The sole structures may include multiple components in some
embodiments, which may individually and/or collectively provide
articles 100 with a number of attributes, such as support,
rigidity, flexibility, stability, cushioning, comfort, reduced
weight, traction, and/or other attributes. For example, in some
embodiments, first sole structure 144 and/or second sole structure
101 may incorporate incompressible plates, moderators, and/or other
elements that attenuate forces, influence the motions of the foot,
and/or impart stability, for example.
In some embodiments, each sole structure of articles 100 may
include one or more sole plates 102 disposed along the bottom
surface of articles 100. In different embodiments, first sole
structure 144 of first article 105 may differ with respect to
second sole structure 101 of second article 107. For example, first
article 105 may include a first sole plate 106 ("first plate 106")
and second article 107 may include a second sole plate 108 ("second
plate 108"). In some embodiments, an additional sole layer disposed
between each sole plate and the corresponding upper may include
cushioning members, reinforcing structures, support structures, or
other features. In another embodiment, midsole 103 may include a
recess to hold or surround a sole plate. In one embodiment, first
plate 106 can extend from first forefoot region 10 to first heel
region 14 in first article 105. In another embodiment, first plate
106 can extend from first forefoot region 10 to first midfoot
region 12 in first article 105.
In different embodiments, sole plates 102 may have a configuration
that extends between a bottom surface of the upper and the ground
in a vertical direction 111 and may be secured to the upper or
another component of articles 100 in any suitable manner. For
example, first plate 106 may be secured to first upper 146 by
adhesive attachment, stitching, welding, or any other suitable
method. Sole plates 102 may include provisions for attenuating
ground reaction forces (that is, cushioning and stabilizing the
foot during vertical and horizontal loading) in some embodiments.
In addition, sole plates 102 may be configured to provide traction,
impart stability, and/or limit various foot motions, such as
pronation, supination, and/or other motions.
Further, while various types of articles 100 may be provided
without a midsole, in some embodiments, first sole structure 144
may also include a midsole 103 or another sole layer disposed
between first plate 106 and first upper 146. As shown in FIG. 1,
midsole 103 may be disposed between first upper 146 and first plate
106. In one embodiment, a lower surface of midsole 103 may face or
be joined to first plate 106, and an upper surface of midsole 103
may face or be joined to first upper 146.
Midsole 103 may be formed of various materials. For example,
midsole 103 may be formed of a cushioning material such as an
expanded rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane, and the like. In other
embodiments, the midsole may be omitted (not shown). In one
embodiment, a sole structure may optionally include a heel member
143 disposed near or along first heel region 14.
First sole structure 144 and first upper 146 may be made from
materials known in the art for making articles of footwear. For
example, first sole structure 144, including the sole plate, may be
made from elastomers, siloxanes, natural rubber, synthetic rubbers,
aluminum, steel, natural leather, synthetic leather, plastics, or
thermoplastics. In another example, first upper 146 may be made
from nylon, natural leather, synthetic leather, natural rubber, or
synthetic rubber.
Sole plates 102 may comprise a relatively rigid material. Sole
plates 102 may include carbon fiber, as well as other materials. In
one embodiment, sole plates 102 may include rigid material
including a woven fabric such as a carbon fiber, nylon fiber,
cotton fiber, textile, elastomer fiber, animal fiber, and the like.
In some embodiments, the rigid material is a substance having a
high Young's modulus. For example, a high Young's modulus may be
greater than 100 gigapascal (GPa), greater than 150 GPa, greater
than 180 GPa, greater than 200 GPa, etc. Examples of rigid material
having a high Young's modulus may include, for instance, copper,
brass, bronze, steel, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, and a
single-walled carbon nanotube, as well as other materials. The
rigid material can comprise carbon fiber. The rigid material can
consist essentially of carbon fiber. In other embodiments, sole
plates 102 may comprise more than one material, for example, a
relatively rigid and a relatively flexible or elastic material.
The accompanying figures depict various embodiments of articles
100, having sole plates 102 suited for multi-directional traction
on natural and/or synthetic turf and/or tracks. Articles 100, as
depicted, may be suited for a variety of activities on natural
and/or synthetic turf or tracks, such as agility/speed training and
competition, as well as other sports, such as baseball, soccer,
American football, track events, and other such activities where
flexibility, traction, and grip may be significantly enhanced by
sole plates 102. In addition, various features of the disclosed
sole plates 102 (and/or variations of such features) may be
implemented in a variety of other types of footwear.
In some cases, the incorporation of rigid material into sole plates
102 restricts flexing of articles 100 from the medial side to the
lateral side and from the lateral side to the medial side. Flexing
can allow the article of footwear to have improved traction by
providing improved contact to a playing or running surface.
Moreover, such flexing allows for a more natural feel for the
wearer as he/she contacts the playing surface. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, articles 100 may include one or more grooves 115,
whereby the relatively rigid material of one portion of sole plates
102 is separated from another portion of sole plates 102. In some
instances, flexibility in lateral direction 169 (compared to
longitudinal direction 113) may be desired. In such cases, sole
plates 102 may include one or more grooves 115. In FIG. 1, first
plate 106 includes a first groove 117, and second plate 108
includes a second groove 118. In some embodiments, grooves 115
extend through the entire thickness of the sole plate. Furthermore,
in one embodiment, grooves 115 may expose the layer adjacent to the
sole plate (e.g., midsole 103). It should be understood that sole
plates 102 may include additional indentations or other recesses
that extend only partially through the thickness of the sole
plates, and can thus differ from grooves 115.
Thus, in one embodiment, sole plates 102 are segmented to provide
flexibility in a lateral direction 169. As such, a user may have an
improved feel of the playing surface during an operation or use of
articles 100. For example, the segmentation of first plate 106 may
allow first article 105 to roll in response to an impact on first
lateral side 20. Such a rolling function may be even further
utilized in operations where a lateral impact onto a playing
surface is common, for example, when a user is turning. In some
embodiments, segmentation may be provided by inclusion of one or
more grooves 115 disposed in sole plates 102.
In some cases even further flexibility in lateral direction 169
compared to longitudinal direction 113 is desired. It may be
desirable to further improve flexibility in lateral direction 169,
for example, in order to improve a user's comfort during turns. In
such cases, grooves 115 may be extended further along sole plates
102 and/or there may be multiple grooves 115 along either first
plate 106 or second plate 108.
Thus, grooves 115 may run in a generally longitudinal direction
113. In some embodiments, grooves 115 may also extend across in a
lateral direction 169, or in a direction diagonal to lateral
direction 169 and longitudinal direction 113. In one embodiment,
grooves 115 may run such that they are extend further in
longitudinal direction 113 than in lateral direction 169. This
placement can enhance flexibility in lateral direction 169.
As will be discussed further below, in different embodiments,
grooves 115 may have varying shapes. In one embodiment, grooves 115
may comprise relatively long and/or narrow strips forming exposed
areas through sole plates 102. In one embodiment, the exposed areas
may be adjacent to or expose at least a portion of the lower
surface of midsole 103. In other embodiments, grooves 115 may have
irregular, curved, or otherwise contoured shapes. Grooves 115 may
have a shape to improve a user's comfort during turns by having an
orientation angled between the medial side 22 and the lateral side
20.
In different embodiments, grooves 115 may be located in various
regions of sole plates 102. In some embodiments, for example, first
groove 117 may extend along first forefoot region 10. In other
embodiments, first groove 117 may extend across first midfoot
region 12 and/or first heel region 14. In some embodiments, first
groove 117 may extend across a bottom surface 116 of sole plates
102 from first forefoot region 10 to first heel region 14.
In some embodiments, grooves 115 may include a first end and a
second end. For example, first groove 117 may be substantially
linear and include a first end 171 and a second end 173, and second
groove 118 also may be substantially linear and include a first end
175 and a second end 177. Furthermore, in some embodiments, sole
plates 102 may include various inner edges that form at least part
of the perimeter defining grooves 115. In one embodiment, first
groove 117 may include a first edge 110 and a second edge 112, and
second groove 118 may include a first edge 179 and a second edge
181. In some embodiments, first edge 110 and second edge 112 may be
joined at one or both ends. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, first edge
110 and second edge 112 are joined at second end 173 of first
groove 117, and form an open space at first end 171. In one
embodiment, first edge 110 and second edge 112 may extend across
sole plates 102 such that the shape of first edge 110 and the shape
of second edge 112 substantially correspond with one another. In
other embodiments, first edge 110 and second edge 112 may comprise
of non-linear and/or non-corresponding contours. Some examples of
various features and properties of grooves 115 as represented in
first plate 106 and second plate 108 will be discussed further
below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that second
groove 118 may be similar in various aspects to first groove 117.
In some cases, references or descriptions pertaining to first
groove 117 may be applied to second groove 118, and/or first groove
117 may be representative of grooves 115.
In addition, in different embodiments, a bottom surface 116 of sole
plates 102 may be configured to contact a playing surface. For
example, bottom surface 116 may be configured to contact grass,
synthetic turf, a track surface, dirt, or sand. Bottom surface 116
of sole plates 102 may include provisions for increasing traction
with such a playing surface. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, such
provisions may include cleats 119. As shown in FIG. 1, cleats 119
are arranged along sole plates 102 of first article 105 and second
article 107. First plate 106 of first article 105 includes a first
cleat set 133 comprising a first cleat 120, a second cleat 121, a
third cleat 122, a fourth cleat 123, a fifth cleat 124, and a sixth
cleat 125. Second plate 108 of second article 107 includes a second
cleat set 135 comprising a seventh cleat 126, an eighth cleat 127,
a ninth cleat 128, a tenth cleat 129, a eleventh cleat 130, and a
twelfth cleat 131. Cleats 119 may be disposed along the forefoot
region of sole plates 102 in some embodiments. In other
embodiments, cleats 119 may be disposed along the midfoot region of
sole plates 102. In one embodiment, cleats 119 may be disposed
along both the forefoot region and the midfoot region of sole
plates 102. Additional cleats (not shown) may be disposed along the
heel region of sole plates 102 in some embodiments. In other
embodiments, sole plates 102 may not have any cleats 119.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, sole plates 102 may
include cleats 119 integrally formed with sole plates 102 through
molding. In another example, sole plates 102 may be configured to
receive removable cleats. In other embodiments, sole plates 102 may
include cleat receiving members configured to receive removable
cleat members. For example, the cleat receiving members may include
threaded holes and the cleats may include threaded stems that screw
into the threaded holes. In one embodiment, sole plates 102 may
include both integrally formed cleats and removable cleats. In some
embodiments, the cleat receiving members may be raised with respect
to sole plates 102. In other embodiments, the cleat receiving
members may be flush with bottom surface 116 of sole plates
102.
Cleats 119 may be made from materials known in the art for making
articles of footwear. For example, cleats 119 may be made from
elastomers, siloxanes, natural rubber, synthetic rubbers, aluminum,
steel, natural leather, synthetic leather, plastics, or
thermoplastics. In some embodiments, cleats 119 may be made of the
same materials. In other embodiments, cleats 119 may be made of
various materials. For example, first cleat 120 may be made of
aluminum while seventh cleat 126 may be made of a thermoplastic
material. Cleats 119 and embodiments disclosed herein may also use
one or more features of Auger et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,832,117,
issued Nov. 16, 2010, and titled "Article of Footwear including
Full Length Composite Plate," the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, one
or more methods of Auger et al. may be used to construct one or
more components of cleats 119 and/or first sole structure 144.
Cleats 119 may have any type of shape. In some embodiments, cleats
119 may all have the same shape. For example, in the example
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, first cleat 120 may have a similar or
even identical shape to seventh cleat 126. In other embodiments, at
least one of cleats 119 may have a different shape from another
cleat. In some embodiments, cleats 119 may have the same height,
width, and/or thickness as each other. In other embodiments, cleats
119 may have different heights, different widths, and/or different
thicknesses from each other.
Cleats 119 may be arranged in any cleat pattern on the sole plates.
For example, as shown in FIG. 1, first cleat 120, third cleat 122,
and fifth cleat 124 may be generally aligned with one another
and/or disposed adjacent to first exposed medial edge 139 of first
plate 106. Similarly, in some embodiments, second cleat 121, fourth
cleat 123, and sixth cleat 125 may be aligned with one another
and/or disposed adjacent to first exposed lateral edge 141. Cleats
119 may be arranged in a similar manner along second plate 108, or
the arrangement may differ. While the embodiments illustrated here
may include the same cleat pattern (arrangement), it is understood
that other cleat patterns may be used with the sole plates. The
arrangement of cleats 119 may enhance traction for a wearer during
cutting, turning, stopping, accelerating, and backward
movement.
In addition, in different embodiments, cleats 119 of first plate
106 comprising first cleat set 133 may be similar to cleats 119 of
second cleat set 135, or they may differ. For example, in some
embodiments, first cleat set 133 may have a set of identically
shaped cleats and/or second cleat set 135 may have a second set of
identically shaped cleats. In one embodiment, first cleat set 133
may have the same height, width, and/or thickness as second cleat
set 135. In another embodiment, first cleat set 133 may have a
different height, width, and/or thickness from second cleat set
135. In other embodiments, first cleat set 133 may differ from
second cleat set 135 in shape, number, and/or arrangement along
sole plates 102. In some embodiments, first plate 106 and/or second
plate 108 may not include cleats 119.
Furthermore, in different embodiments, various portions or layers
of first sole structure 144 may include components other than
cleats 119 that contact a playing surface and/or increase traction.
In some embodiments, sole plates 102 may include traction elements
that are smaller or otherwise shaped differently than cleats 119.
For example, traction elements on sole plates 102 or other portions
of first sole structure 144 may increase control for a wearer when
maneuvering forward on a surface by engaging the surface.
Additionally, traction elements may increase the wearer's stability
when making lateral movements by digging into a playing surface. In
other embodiments, traction elements may be molded into first sole
structure 144. In some embodiments, for example, first sole
structure 144 may be configured to receive removable traction
elements.
As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, there may be traction
elements that include one or more ridges 156 or ribs 158. For
example, first plate 106 includes a first ridge 157, and second
plate 108 includes a second ridge 159. In addition, articles 100
include ribs 158. In FIG. 1, ribs 158 are disposed along heel
member 143 of first plate 106 of first sole structure 144. For
example, first article 105 includes a first rib 161, and second
article 107 includes a second rib 163. In one embodiment, ridges
156 and/or ribs 158 may provide undulating or uneven portions along
bottom surface 116 of first sole structure 144. In one embodiment,
ridges 156 and/or ribs 158 may be recessed areas of sole
structures, and in another embodiment ridges 156 and/or ribs 158
may be raised or distinct areas of sole structures. In one
embodiment, traction elements may be raised, protruding, or
otherwise distinct and separated portions along one or more sole
structures.
In some embodiments, ribs 158 may be formed of an elastomer. As
such, ribs 158 may provide further energy storage in sole plates
102 while allowing lateral flexibility. In some embodiments, first
rib 161 and/or second rib 163 are contoured in such a way so as to
allow additional lateral flexibility.
In different embodiments, traction elements may extend along
various portions of first sole structure 144. In the embodiment of
FIG. 1, ridges 156 are depicted along first midfoot region 12 and
first forefoot region 10 of first plate 106. In other embodiments,
ridges 156 may be disposed along first heel region 14. Furthermore,
ribs 158 are depicted along first heel region 14 of first sole
structure 144. First lateral side 20 and first medial side 22 of
first sole structure 144 may include a different number, shape, or
size of traction elements. For example, first plate 106 may include
ridges 156 toward first medial side 22 that are longer relative to
ridges 156 disposed along first lateral side 20. In some
embodiments, ridges 156 and/or ribs 158 may differ in length from
one another or they may be substantially similar.
As noted above, in different embodiments, the design and/or
configuration of sole plates 102 may vary significantly according
to one or more types of ground surfaces on which sole plates 102
may be used. For example, the disclosed concepts may be applicable
to footwear configured for use on indoor surfaces and/or outdoor
surfaces. The configuration of sole plates 102 may vary based on
the properties and conditions of the surfaces on which articles 100
are anticipated to be used. For example, sole plates 102 may vary
depending on whether the surface is harder or softer. In addition,
sole plates 102 may be tailored for use in wet or dry
conditions.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, articles 100 may include sole
plates 102 that differ with respect to first article 105 and second
article 107. In other words, in different embodiments, the
configuration of first plate 106 may vary significantly with
respect to the configuration of second plate 108. For purposes of
this description, "configuration" encompasses all features of sole
plates 102, including shape, size, material, components, location
of grooves, flexure lines, and/or traction elements, orientation,
thickness, design and other features. Thus, first plate 106 may
vary significantly with respect to second plate 108 according to
the type of ground, surface, track type, athletic event, or other
factors that affect when or where articles 100 may be used. For
example, articles 100 may be worn during track events, or along a
curved course. An example of a track 200 is depicted in FIG. 2. In
some conventional embodiments, shoes are mirror-images of one
another, including the sole structures. In other words, in some
conventional embodiments, the shoes in a pair of footwear are
generally symmetrical with respect to each another. However, while
a pair of shoes of any type conventionally includes a right shoe
that is a mirror image of the left shoe in order to provide the
same functionality to corresponding portions of each foot, this may
not be optimal for sports that require asymmetrical foot movement,
such as track running.
For purposes of this description, the terms "symmetric
configuration" and "asymmetric configuration" are used to
characterize pairs of articles and/or sole plates of articles. As
used herein, two sole plates have a symmetric configuration when
the pair of sole plates has a symmetry about some common axis. In
other words, the pair of sole plates has a symmetric configuration
when one sole plate is a mirror image of the other sole plate. In
contrast, two sole plates have an asymmetric configuration when
there is no axis about which the sole plates have a symmetry. In
other words, the pair of sole plates has an asymmetric
configuration when the mirror image of one sole plate is not
identical to the other sole plate.
It may be further understood that the characterizations of
symmetric and asymmetric may be with reference to all features of
the sole plates, or with reference to only some subset of features.
In particular, given a feature of the sole plates, the sole plates
may be considered as symmetric or asymmetric with respect to that
feature. In the following embodiments, for example, specific
consideration is given of the asymmetry of the sole plates with
respect to one or more grooves in the sole plates. It should also
be understood that while a pair of articles of footwear may
generally include some level of asymmetry, the asymmetry described
herein is primarily directed to asymmetry in the segmentation or
groove formation, depth, type, number, shape, size, geometry,
and/or orientation of grooves in the sole plates. Asymmetry may
also be provided by variations in the stiffness or rigidity of the
sole plates.
In track events that include curved paths, it can be advantageous
to use a pair of articles of footwear 100 that have an asymmetrical
configuration. Some tracks include curves that are built with an
upward slope (or "banking") from the inner edge to the outer edge
at a curve, so that asymmetric foot support conditions occur during
curved running. In some cases the asymmetry is bilateral. Athletic
shoes having one or more sole plates 102 adapted for sports
involving asymmetric foot movements, such as track running, where
each of articles 100 of the pair is designed for optimal support
for each of the wearer's feet, can provide enhanced agility,
performance, balance, and increase flexibility in key areas, as
well as allow for a more natural stride.
For example, in FIG. 2, an outline of a pair of footwear 202
representing articles 100 is shown at various positions along track
200. It should be noted that track 200 is an example of a possible
course or surface, and other tracks of varying shapes, curves,
sizes, or ground type may be equivalent for purposes of this
discussion. Track 200 includes an inside curve 220 and an outside
curve 222.
Footwear 202 is shown at a first position 204, a second position
206, and a third position 208. Arrows illustrate the direction of
travel. While first position 204 corresponds to travel over a
generally straight path or a straight section 210 of track 200,
second position 206 and third position 208 correspond to curved
sections 212 of track 200. Third position 208 can also be seen in a
magnified area 218. In FIG. 2, the direction of travel
(counter-clockwise in this illustrated example) is such that what
would be identified as the inner shoe with respect to the curvature
of track 200 extends from first article 105 (the left shoe in this
illustrated example), and the outer shoe with respect to the
curvature of track 200 extends from second article 107 (the right
shoe in this illustrated example). It should be noted that in other
embodiments, the relationship may vary, where first article 105 may
be associated with the outer shoe, and second article 107 may be
associated with the inner shoe. Thus, while the discussion herein
assumes first article 105 is an inner shoe 214 and second article
107 is an outer shoe 216, the configurations that are described
throughout this discussion with respect to first article 105 and
second article 107 may be exchanged. For example, if the direction
of travel were in the opposite direction (clockwise in FIG. 2) or
the track were altered, embodiments of articles 100 may be adjusted
to correspond to the changes.
In some embodiments, during travel over curved sections 212 of
track 200, the distribution of pressure and the placement of inner
shoe 214 and outer shoe 216 on track 200 can vary. In one
embodiment, as a user moves over curved sections 212, as shown in
magnified area 218, pressure distribution can be biased toward one
side of the foot. In FIG. 3, an example of a possible pressure
distribution is depicted in contoured lines. The pressure
distribution can vary during running of a curved section of a track
for a pair of feet 300. In FIG. 3, it can be seen that pressure
distributions can be greater along first lateral side 20 of an
inner foot 304 than along first medial side 22, and that the same
can be true for an outer foot 302. For example, a first pressure
distribution 306 on outer foot 302 is relatively similar to a
second pressure distribution 308 on inner foot 304. Furthermore, a
third pressure distribution 310 on outer foot 302 is similar to a
fourth pressure distribution 312 on inner foot 304. However, third
pressure distribution 310 is substantially greater than first
pressure distribution 306, and fourth pressure distribution 312 is
substantially greater than second pressure distribution 308. In
other words, the pressure distribution can be asymmetrical with
respect to outer foot 302 and inner foot 304 during motion over a
curved track. In order to improve performance, speed, gait, etc.,
during running along curved tracks, articles 100 with asymmetrical
flex lines, or grooves 115, can be used. As represented in FIGS. 2
and 3, in some embodiments, by forming grooves 115 in sole plates
102 that more closely correspond to the pressure distributions
and/or movement of feet 300 during running over curved sections
212, there can be an increase in overall performance. For example,
asymmetry in the flexure of sole plates 102 of a pair of articles
100 can allow feet 300 to roll or curl along an axis that is
off-center and more closely correlated to actual use.
The asymmetry can be further seen in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6.
In one embodiment, the configuration of first plate 106 can vary
from that of second plate 108. In particular, in the embodiment of
FIG. 4, the location of first groove 117 differs from the location
of second groove 118. For example, while first groove 117 and
second groove 118 are generally similar in size and shape, they
have been formed along different portions of their respective sole
plates 102. In other words, first groove 117 is disposed in first
plate 106 such that it is asymmetrical with respect to the location
of second groove 118 that is disposed in second plate 108.
In some embodiments, grooves 115 may be disposed so as to divide
one or more areas of sole plates 102 into various continuous
portions or regions. For purposes of this disclosure, "continuous"
refers to portions of a sole plate that do not include grooves.
Thus, it can be seen that in some embodiments, a groove may divide
the forefoot portion or region (i.e., first forefoot region 10 and
second forefoot region 30) into different continuous portions. For
example, in FIG. 4, a first lateral plate portion 412 extends from
the side of first plate 106 that is closer to inside curve 220 of a
track, and a first medial plate portion 414 extends from the side
of first plate 106 that is closer to outside curve 222 of a track
(as described with reference to FIG. 2). In this case, first
lateral plate portion 412 is divided from first medial plate
portion 414 by first groove 117. Furthermore, first lateral plate
portion 412 and first medial plate portion 414 do not in themselves
include additional grooves.
It can also be seen that first lateral plate portion 412 has a
maximum width that differs from the maximum width of first medial
plate portion 414. Similarly, in FIG. 4, a second medial plate
portion 418 extends from the side of second plate 108 that is
closer to inside curve 220 of a track, and a second lateral plate
portion 420 extends from the side of second plate 108 that is
closer to outside curve 222 of a track, as described with reference
to FIG. 2. In this case, second medial plate portion 418 is divided
from second lateral plate portion 420 by second groove 118. It can
be seen that second lateral plate portion 420 has a maximum width
that differs from the maximum width of second medial plate portion
418. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, first lateral plate portion 412
of first plate 106 is disposed toward first lateral side 20 of
first plate 106, while second medial plate portion 418 of second
plate 108 is disposed toward second medial side 24 of second plate
108. In other embodiments, first lateral plate portion 412 of first
plate 106 may be disposed toward first medial side 22 of first
plate 106, while second medial plate portion 418 of second plate
108 may be disposed toward second lateral side 26 of second plate
108. The term "maximum width" as used herein in this context means
the largest width dimension measured in the lateral direction 169
from: (a) an edge of a groove to (b) the corresponding side edge of
the plate in which that groove is formed. In the example of FIGS. 1
and 4: (a) the "maximum width" of the first medial plate portion
414 is the largest width dimension measured in the lateral
direction 169 from groove edge 110 to medial side edge 139 of first
sole plate 106; (b) the "maximum width" of the first lateral plate
portion 412 is the largest width dimension measured in the lateral
direction 169 from groove edge 112 to lateral side edge 141 of
first sole plate 106; (c) the "maximum width" of the second medial
plate portion 418 is the largest width dimension measured in the
lateral direction 169 from groove edge 179 to medial side edge 142
of second sole plate 108; and (d) the "maximum width" of the second
lateral plate portion 420 is the largest width dimension measured
in the lateral direction 169 from groove edge 181 to lateral side
edge 145 of second sole plate 108.
As noted above, in some embodiments of this invention: (a) a
maximum width of the first continuous lateral plate portion is
greater than a maximum width of the second continuous lateral plate
portion, and/or (b) a maximum width of the first continuous medial
plate portion is less than a maximum width of the second continuous
medial plate portion, thereby providing the pair of sole plates
with an asymmetric configuration. As some more specific examples:
(a) a maximum width of the first continuous lateral plate portion
(W.sub.L1) may be at least 5% greater (and in some examples, at
least 10% greater, at least 15% greater, at least 20% greater, at
least 25% greater, at least 40% greater, at least 50% greater, at
least 75% greater, or even at least 100% greater) than a maximum
width of the second continuous lateral plate portion (W.sub.L2),
and/or (b) a maximum width of the first continuous medial plate
portion (W.sub.M1) may be at least 5% less (and in some examples,
at least 10% less, at least 15% less, at least 20% less, at least
25% less, at least 40% less, at least 50% less, or even at least
75% less) than a maximum width of the second continuous medial
plate portion (W.sub.M2). As some more specific dimensional
examples: (a) W.sub.L1 (e.g., of the lateral side of the inside
curve sole plate) may be in a range of 30 mm to 115 mm (and in some
examples, from 40 mm to 100 mm); (b) W.sub.L2 (e.g., of the lateral
side of the outside curve sole plate) may be in a range of 15 mm to
60 mm (and in some examples from 20 mm to 50 mm); (c) W.sub.M1
(e.g., of the medial side of the inside curve sole plate) may be in
a range of 15 mm to 60 mm (and in some examples, from 20 mm to 50
mm); and/or (d) W.sub.M2 (e.g., of the medial side of the outside
curve sole plate) may be in a range of 30 mm to 115 mm (and in some
examples from 40 mm to 100 mm). With these widths, grooves, and
bendability features, the complementary sole/shoe pairs in
accordance with examples of this invention may leave more surface
area of the complementary sole plate pair in contact with the track
surface (e.g., the lateral side of the inside curve shoe 105 and
the medial side of the outside curve shoe 107) as the runner leans
into and runs the curve.
In some embodiments, first edge 110 and second edge 112 of first
groove 117 are spaced from each other. Therefore, first edge 110
and second edge 112 may, at least partially, move relative to each
other. First groove 117 may form a space that is disposed between
first edge 110 and second edge 112. In other words, in one
embodiment, grooves 115 may be disposed such that one or more areas
of bottom surface of first upper 146 or another component of first
sole structure 144 such as a midsole are exposed.
For example, in some embodiments, there may be a segment 410 of a
midsole (or other sole component) that is exposed between first
edge 110 and second edge 112. For instance, as shown in FIG. 4,
segment 410 is exposed, allowing first lateral plate portion 412
and first medial plate portion 414 to elastically move relative to
each other along first plate 106. In some cases, segment 410 may be
flat relative to the surface of the bottom of the midsole. In other
cases, segment may be ridged or raised in some manner. Thus, in
some embodiments, first groove 117 can generally correspond to the
shape of segment 410.
It should be noted that the width between first edge 110 and second
edge 112 may vary across sole plates 102, and within one groove. In
other words, there may be areas in longitudinal direction 113 where
there is a greater area of segment 410 exposed, and areas with less
exposure of segment 410. In other embodiments, the exposed area of
segment 410, or the width of grooves 115, may be generally
consistent from first end 171 and second end 173. In some
embodiments, segment 410 may be a different size or shape between
first plate 106 and second plate 108. In one embodiment, first
plate 106 may include first groove 117 while second plate 108 may
not include second groove 118.
As noted above, in different embodiments, grooves 115 may differ in
shape, length, location, contours, and other aspects. For purposes
of reference, the perimeter edge associated with first forefoot
region 10 may be divided into two general areas, including a first
lateral edge 404 and a first medial edge 406. First lateral edge
404 is divided from first medial edge 406 by a first center line
408 along first article 105. A second medial edge 426 is divided
from a second lateral edge 428 by a second center line 416 along
second article 107. First center line 408 and second center line
416 are reference lines intended to generally approximate the
midline of sole plates 102 in a generally longitudinal direction
113, and are for purposes of reference only. For example, first
lateral edge 404 can border the part of the forefoot perimeter
corresponding more to the direction toward inside curve 220 of a
track, and first medial edge 406 can border the part of the
forefoot perimeter corresponding more to direction toward the
outside curve 222 of a track, as described with reference to FIG.
2. In other words, first lateral edge 404 is on the side of the
center line 408 that is closer to inside curve 220 when a user is
traveling along a track and first medial edge 406 is on the side of
the center line 408 that is closer to outside curve 222 when a user
is traveling along a track (as illustrated in FIG. 2). Similarly,
second medial edge 426 is on the side of the center line 416 that
is closer to inside curve 220 when a user is traveling along a
track and second lateral edge 428 is on the side of the center line
416 that is closer to outside curve 222 when a user is traveling
along a track, as shown in FIG. 2.
It should be understood that in some embodiments, one article of
footwear can have a larger medial plate portion and a smaller
lateral plate portion, and the corresponding/complementary article
of footwear may have a larger lateral plate portion and a smaller
medial plate portion. In other words, in one embodiment, a first
groove may be disposed closer to the lateral edge on one article
relative to the medial edge, while a second groove may be disposed
closer to the medial edge relative to the lateral edge on the other
article.
In FIG. 4, first end 171 of first groove 117 begins at first
forefoot region 10 along first medial edge 406, and first end 175
of second groove 118 begins at second forefoot region 30 along
second lateral edge 428. Thus, both first groove 117 of first plate
106 and second groove 118 of second plate 108 are disposed to form
a flex line that is located on the side of sole plates 102 disposed
toward the outer curve of a track. Furthermore, it can be seen that
first end 171 of first groove 117 is disposed along first medial
side 22 of first plate 106, whereas first end 175 of second groove
118 is disposed along second lateral side 26 of second plate 108.
In other words, an asymmetrical placement of first groove 117 and
second groove 118 can be provided for the pair of sole plates
102.
In another embodiment, a groove on one plate may be asymmetrically
disposed relative to the other plate. Thus, first groove 117 may be
disposed toward one side of first plate 106, and second groove 118
may be disposed along or toward the opposing side of second plate
108. For example, in some cases, first groove 117 may be disposed
closer to first medial side 22 than to first lateral side 20, and
second groove 118 can be disposed closer to second lateral side 26
than to second medial side 24. In another case, first groove 117
can be disposed closer to first lateral side 20 than to first
medial side 22, and second groove 118 may be disposed closer to
second medial side 24 than to second lateral side 26.
In addition, asymmetry may be present in other ways. For purposes
of reference, first plate 106 includes a first forefoot tip 422 and
second plate 108 includes a second forefoot tip 424. First forefoot
tip 422 extends from the most forward point of first plate 106
along longitudinal direction 113, and second forefoot tip extends
from the most forward point of second plate 108 along longitudinal
direction 113. It can be seen that first end 171 of first groove
117 is disposed relatively near to first forefoot tip 422. However,
first end 175 of second groove 118 is disposed farther from second
forefoot tip 424 than first end 171 of first groove 117 is disposed
from first forefoot tip 422. As mentioned above, the inclusion of
asymmetry may allow a bending of both sole plates such that there
can be greater support in the areas of each sole plates 102 that
are associated with an embodiment of foot pressure distributions
that may occur when running along a curve of a track, as discussed
with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
In some embodiments, cleats 119 may be included along sole plates
102. Cleats 119 may be disposed at varying locations along sole
plates 102. As seen in FIG. 4, first cleat 120, third cleat 122,
and fifth cleat 124 are disposed along first medial plate portion
414 of first plate 106, while second cleat 121, fourth cleat 123,
and sixth cleat 125 are disposed along first lateral plate portion
412 of first plate 106. Furthermore ninth cleat 128 and eleventh
cleat 130 are disposed along second lateral plate portion 420 of
second plate 108, while seventh cleat 126, eighth cleat 127, tenth
cleat 129, and twelfth cleat 131 are disposed along second medial
plate portion 418 of second plate 108. Thus, in one embodiment,
there may be asymmetry between first article 105 and second article
107 with respect to the arrangement of cleats 119 along either side
of a groove. In one embodiment, for example, cleats 119 may be
rearranged such that first lateral plate portion 412 has a greater
number of cleats 119 than first medial plate portion 414. In
another embodiment, cleats 119 may be rearranged such that first
medial plate portion 414 has a greater number of cleats 119 than
first lateral plate portion 412, as shown in second article 107. In
some embodiments, first lateral plate portion 412 and/or first
medial plate portion 414 may have no cleats 119.
In FIG. 5, a second embodiment of articles 500 are depicted.
Articles 500 include a third article 502 and a fourth article 504.
Third article 502 includes a third plate 506 and fourth article 504
includes a fourth plate 508. First end 528 of a third groove 510
begins at first forefoot region 10 along first medial edge 406, and
first end 532 of a fourth groove 512 begins at second forefoot
region 30 along second medial edge 426. Thus, it can be seen that
in some embodiments, a groove may divide the forefoot regions
(i.e., first forefoot region 10 and second forefoot region 30) into
different portions. In addition, fourth plate 508 also includes a
fifth groove 522 that begins at second forefoot region 30 along
second lateral edge 428. Thus, both third groove 510 of third plate
506 and fifth groove 522 of fourth plate 508 are disposed to form a
flex line that is located on the side of sole plates 102 disposed
toward the outer curve of a track. This can provide an asymmetrical
placement of third groove 510 and fourth groove 512 with respect to
one another. As described with reference to FIG. 4, such an
asymmetrical placement of third groove 510 and fourth groove 512
with respect to one another can provide a specialized bending of
the pair of sole plates. In some embodiments, this bending can
enhance support in the area of both sole plates that are associated
with an embodiment of foot pressure distributions that may occur
when running along a curve of a track (as discussed with reference
to FIGS. 2 and 3).
Furthermore, as mentioned previously, in different embodiments, one
sole plate may include multiple grooves 115. For example, in FIG. 5
fourth plate 508 includes two grooves 115, comprising fourth groove
512 and fifth groove 522. Thus, an additional flex line is formed
along fourth plate 508. Fifth groove 522 may also extend in a
generally longitudinal direction 113 along fourth plate 508. It
should be noted that grooves 115 disposed along a single sole plate
may be substantially different in length, width, shape, size,
curvature and other aspects. For example, in the embodiment of FIG.
5, fourth groove 512 has less curvature overall than fifth groove
522. Furthermore, a second end 538 of fifth groove 522 forms an
opening 526 near the perimeter of fourth plate 508, while second
end 534 of fourth groove 512 remains bounded within the interior of
fourth plate 508. In other embodiments, grooves 115 may be formed
with various contours, paths, and in different areas of sole plates
102. In another embodiment, third plate 506 may also include
additional grooves 115. In other embodiments, grooves 115 formed
along a single sole plate may be substantially similar to one
another.
As noted above, in some embodiments, grooves 115 may be disposed so
as to divide one or more areas of sole plates 102 into various
portions. For example, in FIG. 5, fourth groove 512 and fifth
groove 522 may divide forefoot portion 110 of fourth plate 508 into
three continuous regions, including a lateral plate portion, a
medial plate portion, and an intermediate plate portion that is
disposed between the lateral plate portion and the medial plate
portion. In other words, there may be a second lateral plate
portion 595 that extends along lateral direction 169 from second
lateral side 26 to fifth groove 522, a second medial plate portion
593 that extends along lateral direction 169 from second medial
side 24 to fourth groove 512, and an intermediate plate portion 594
that extends along lateral direction 169 between fourth groove 512
and fifth groove 522.
As noted above, in some embodiments, grooves 115 may have varying
contours. In FIG. 5, a first contoured edge 540 and a second
contoured edge 542 of third groove 510 each flow in a generally
undulating or curved manner. For example, in different embodiments,
the degree of curvature of either first contoured edge 540 or
second contoured edge 542 of third groove 510 may differ from one
another. In one embodiment, either first contoured edge 540 or
second contoured edge 542 may include a curved region. In some
embodiments, the degree of curvature and general shape of first
contoured edge 540 can vary from that of second contoured edge 542.
In some cases, the width of third groove 510 may vary along the
length of third groove 510 in longitudinal direction 113. In
another embodiment, the degree of curvature of either first
contoured edge 540 or second contoured edge 542 may be
substantially similar, whereby first contoured edge 540 has a curve
and/or shape equivalent to second contoured edge 542. In these
cases, third groove 510 may include generally contoured lines or
edges extending from first end 528 to a second end 530. In other
cases, the contoured edges may have corresponding shapes along some
portions of grooves 115, but be non-parallel along other portions.
As used herein, two non-straight contours of a groove may be said
to be "parallel" if they are congruent in the geometric sense and
have a constant spacing along the length of the groove.
As discussed previously, the shapes of grooves 115 may differ
between third plate 506 and fourth plate 508, forming asymmetrical
flex lines along sole plates 102. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, a
third center line 516 along third article 502 and a fourth center
line 518 along fourth article 504 are depicted. Third center line
516 and fourth center line 518 are reference lines intended to
generally approximate the midline of sole plates 102 in a generally
longitudinal direction 113, and are for purposes of reference only.
In some embodiments, third groove 510 may be located on the side of
third center line 516 corresponding more to the direction toward
outside curve 222 of a track (as seen in FIG. 2). As illustrated in
FIG. 5, in one embodiment, fourth groove 512 may be located on the
side of fourth center line 518 corresponding more to the direction
toward inside curve 220 of a track (as seen in FIG. 2). In one
embodiment, fifth groove 522 may be located on the side of fourth
center line 518 corresponding more to the direction toward outside
curve 222 of a track (as seen in FIG. 2). In another embodiment,
asymmetry may be formed along the opposite side or direction of
sole plates 102. In other embodiments, grooves 115 may be disposed
along either the side of the sole plate corresponding to inside
curve 220 or outside curve 222, and/or grooves 115 may be disposed
such that they extend along both the lateral side and the medial
side of sole plates 102.
In some embodiments, first contoured edge 540 and/or second
contoured edge 542 defining the boundary of third groove 510 can
curve or otherwise create exposed areas along third plate 506. For
example, in FIG. 5, third groove 510 in third article 502 forms a
first exposed portion 514, and in fourth article 504, fourth groove
512 forms a second exposed portion 520. The shape, size, and/or
depth of an exposed portion may differ between sole plates 102 or
may be substantially similar.
In FIG. 6, a third embodiment of articles 600 are depicted.
Articles 600 include a fifth article 602 and a sixth article 604.
Fifth article 602 includes a fifth plate 606 and sixth article 604
includes a sixth plate 608. A first end 626 of a sixth groove 610
along fifth plate 606 begins at first forefoot region 10 along a
first lateral edge 636, and a first end 628 of a seventh groove 612
along sixth plate 608 begins at second forefoot region 30 along a
second medial edge 634. Thus, in one embodiment, both sixth groove
610 of fifth plate 606 and seventh groove 612 of sixth plate 608
can be disposed to form a flex line that is located on the side of
the sole plates disposed toward the inside curve 220 of a track
(see FIG. 2), forming an asymmetrical arrangement in the pair of
sole plates. The asymmetrical placement of sixth groove 610 and
seventh groove 612 with respect to one another can provide support
in various regions of sole plates 102 that are associated with an
embodiment of foot pressure distributions that may occur when
running along a curve of a track, as described with reference to
FIGS. 2 and 3.
In addition, as described earlier, in different embodiments, sole
plates 102 may include multiple grooves 115. For example, in FIG. 6
sixth plate 608 includes an eighth groove 622. Eighth groove 622
may also extend in a generally longitudinal direction 113 along
sixth plate 608. It should be noted that grooves 115 disposed along
a single sole plate may be substantially different in length,
width, shape, size, curvature and other aspects. In other
embodiments, grooves 115 along a single sole plate may be
substantially similar. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 6,
seventh groove 612 has less curvature than eighth groove 622 (and,
as shown, the seventh groove 612 may be substantially linear). In
addition, the length of seventh groove 612 is smaller in length
(along longitudinal direction 113) than the length of eighth groove
622. Furthermore, a second end 624 of eighth groove 622 and a
second end 620 of seventh groove 612 both remain within the
interior of sixth plate 608 and do not form an opening near the
perimeter. In other embodiments, grooves 115 may be formed with
various contours, paths, and along different areas of sole plates
102. In another embodiment, fifth plate 606 may also include
additional grooves 115. In one embodiment, sixth plate 608 may have
three or more grooves 115.
As described earlier, in some embodiments, cleats 119 may be
disposed along articles 600 in such a manner as to also form
asymmetry between sole plates of fifth article 602 and sixth
article 604. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, cleats 119
may be arranged in different configurations between fifth plate 606
and sixth plate 608. Along fifth plate 606, cleats 119 are disposed
similar to the embodiment of FIG. 5, where there are three cleats
119 along first medial side 22 and three cleats along first lateral
side 20, generally. However, along sixth plate 608, cleats 119 are
arranged such that there are a greater number of cleats 119 toward
second lateral side 26 and fewer cleats 119 along second medial
side 24. Furthermore, in some embodiments, cleats 119 may be
rearranged or disposed to allow grooves 115 to be disposed along
any portion of sole plates 102. In one embodiment, cleats 119 may
be shifted or formed along different areas or portions of sole
plates 102. In other embodiments, cleats 119 may be symmetrical
between fifth article 602 and sixth article 604.
In the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8, a cross-sectional view of a
portion of first plate 700 for first article 105 is illustrated
along the line labeled 7-7 (see FIG. 4) and a cross-sectional view
of a portion of second plate 800 for second article 107 along the
line labeled 8-8 (see FIG. 4) is illustrated. In FIG. 7, a portion
of first plate 700 is shown with first groove 117 dividing this
portion of first plate 700 into two regions, including a lateral
plate portion 702 and a medial plate portion 704. Lateral plate
portion 702 may correspond with a first lateral length 706, and
medial plate portion 704 may correspond with a first medial length
708. This illustrated portion of first plate 700 may additionally
have a first thickness 712 corresponding to the width between a top
surface 714 of the first plate and a bottom surface 716 of the
first plate. First groove 117 may also include a first width 710
that extends from the distance between a first contoured edge 718
and a second contoured edge 720.
In FIG. 8, a portion of second plate 800 is shown with second
groove 118 dividing this portion of second plate 800 into two
regions, including a medial plate portion 802 and a lateral plate
portion 804. Medial plate portion 802 may correspond with a second
medial length 806, and lateral plate portion 804 may correspond
with a second lateral length 808. This illustrated portion of
second plate 800 may additionally have a second thickness 812
corresponding to the width between a top surface 814 of the first
plate and a bottom surface 816 of the first plate. Second groove
118 may also include a second width 810 that extends from the
distance between a first contoured edge 818 and a second contoured
edge 820.
Depending on the locations of first groove 117 and second groove
118, in different embodiments, first lateral length 706 may be
equal to or vary from second medial length 806 and/or second
lateral length 808. Similarly, first medial length 708 may be equal
to or vary from second medial length 806 and/or second lateral
length 808. The lengths of each portion in lateral direction 169
may be configured for user preferences, individual foot pressure
distribution, track characteristics, performance enhancement, and
other factors.
In addition, the width of a groove may vary between a first article
and a second article. In FIGS. 7 and 8, first width 710 and second
width 810 are substantially similar. However, in other embodiments,
first width 710 may be greater or smaller than second width 810.
Similarly, the thickness of sole plates 102 may differ between a
first article and a second article. In FIGS. 7 and 8, first
thickness 712 and second thickness 812 are substantially similar.
However, in other embodiments, first thickness 712 may be greater
or smaller than second thickness 812. Each of these characteristics
may be adjusted to enhance performance and/or provide additional
asymmetry between first plate 106 and second plate 108. It should
be noted that thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of
sole plates 102 may also vary along different portions of sole
plates 102.
FIGS. 9-16 illustrate an embodiment of a pair of articles of
footwear during operation. Specifically, FIGS. 9-16 illustrate
various configurations of articles undergoing bending due to the
features of sole plates 102 described above. In some embodiments,
articles may vary in stiffness to provide the pair of articles with
asymmetrical stiffness (e.g., Young's modulus). For example, as
shown in FIGS. 9-12, the stiffness or rigidity of an embodiment of
a first plate 900 may vary from the stiffness or rigidity of an
embodiment of a second plate 1000. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10,
first plate 900 is included in a first article 902, and second
plate 1000 is included in a second article 1002. In FIGS. 9 and 10,
first article 902 and second article 1002 are shown generally at
rest on a substantially level track surface 906. In one embodiment,
sole plates 102 may include no grooves 115, and be asymmetrical
with respect to one another due to differences in the degree of
stiffness or rigidity of sole plates 102. As some more specific
examples, the one plate of a complementary pair of sole plates may
have a stiffness that is at least 10% greater than a stiffness of
the other plate of the complementary pair (and in some examples,
the stiffness differential may be at least 20% greater, at least
25% greater, at least 40% greater, or even at least 50% greater).
Stiffness may be measured using any known or desired technique or
equipment, e.g., such as via a 3-point bending measurement method
as is conventionally known.
In FIGS. 11 and 12, first article 902 and second article 1002 are
shown undergoing substantially similar bending forces as they move
along track surface 906. In FIG. 11, first article 902 is
experiencing bending along a first region of bending 1104 within
first forefoot region 10. Similarly, in FIG. 12, second article
1002 is generally experiencing bending along a second region of
bending 1204 within second forefoot region 30. In some embodiments,
the degree of bending occurring in either first plate 900 or second
plate 1000 may differ significantly although undergoing
substantially similar bending forces. As seen in FIG. 11, first
plate 900 has been bent so that the portion of first plate 900
corresponding to first midfoot region 12 and first heel region 14
have risen to form a first angle 1100, and the portion of first
plate 900 corresponding to first forefoot region 10 has risen to
form a second angle 1102. In FIG. 12, second plate 1000 has been
bent to a greater extent than that of first plate 900 in FIG. 11,
such that the portion of second plate 1000 corresponding to second
midfoot region 32 and second heel region 34 have risen to form a
third angle 1200, and the portion of second plate 1000
corresponding to second forefoot region 30 has risen to form a
fourth angle 1202. In the embodiments of FIGS. 11 and 12, first
angle 1100 is less than third angle 1200, and second angle 1102 is
less than fourth angle 1202. In other words, when exposed to
similar bending forces, first plate 900 bends less than second
plate 1000. Thus, in some embodiments, first plate 900 can include
a greater degree of rigidity than second plate 1000. In other
embodiments, first plate 900 can have a lesser degree of rigidity
than second plate 1000. In other embodiments, the stiffness of
first plate 900 may be substantially similar to that of second
plate 1000.
It should be noted that first plate 900 may furthermore include
variations in stiffness or rigidity within first plate 900, and
second plate 1000 may also include variations in stiffness or
rigidity throughout second plate 1000, or the stiffness across
first plate 900 and/or second plate 1000 may be substantially
similar. In some applications it is desirable to have different
flexibilities in different regions of an article. Such varying
zones of flexibility may allow, for example, the article to be
further customized to balance a user's comfort during operation.
For instance, a point of impact of first plate 900 onto a playing
surface may frequently occur in first forefoot region 10 and rarely
occur in the first midfoot region 12. Accordingly, first forefoot
region 10 may be configured to have a lower rigidity than first
midfoot region 12 to allow for improved user's comfort during
operation. Similarly, first midfoot region 12 may be configured to
have a higher rigidity than first forefoot region 10 to allow for a
higher energy return. In some embodiments, first plate 900 may be
provided with a degree of rigidity that is asymmetric with respect
to the degree of rigidity of second plate 1000.
Stiffness along one sole plate may be varied by increasing the
thickness of one or more regions of the plate relative to other
regions. For example, a lateral plate portion can be thicker than
the corresponding medial plate portion along the same plate. In
addition, the inclusion of a greater number of grooves along a
first region of the sole plate relative to a second region of the
same sole plate can decrease the stiffness of the first region
compared to the second region. The depth of a groove (i.e., the
extent with which the groove extends through the thickness of a
sole plate) may also be varied to change the stiffness in one
region of a sole plate versus another region.
Thus, in different embodiments, stiffness may be varied across a
single sole plate. For example, first plate 900 may include a
stiffer first lateral plate portion relative to the first medial
plate portion, or the first medial plate portion may include a
greater stiffness than the first lateral plate portion. Similarly,
second plate 1000 may include a stiffer second lateral plate
portion relative to the second medial plate portion, or the second
medial plate portion may include a greater stiffness than the
second lateral plate portion.
In different embodiments, the rigidity of a sole plate may be also
varied by the inclusion of different materials or structures. For
example, the sole plates may include one or more materials,
including but not limited to carbon fiber, carbon fiber composite,
nylon/glass composite, Kevlar fibers, rubber, foam rubber,
polyester, synthetic rubber, polymeric material, and/or composite
material(s) or fibers with greater or lesser elasticity.
Furthermore, structures such as gel packs, air bladders, embedded
structures such as a frame, or other structures may be used to vary
the rigidity.
As discussed earlier, bending of articles may also result from
inclusion of grooves in the sole plates. In FIGS. 13-16, a user
1300 contacts bottom surface 116 of sole plates 102 to a running
surface 1302 while wearing articles 1316. As shown, bottom surface
116 impacts running surface 1302 along first forefoot region 10 of
first medial side 22 of a first plate 1304 corresponding to a first
article 1308. Similarly, bottom surface 116 of a second plate 1306
impacts running surface 1302 along second forefoot region 30 of
second lateral side 26 corresponding to a second article 1310. As
illustrated in FIGS. 13-14, due to the impact, sole plates 102 may
begin to flex along a first groove 1312 of first plate 1304 and a
second groove 1314 of second plate 1306. In FIG. 14, as a greater
force is exerted by user 1300, each sole plate bends further along
first groove 1312 and second groove 1314. This asymmetrical flexing
between first article 1308 and second article 1310 may provide a
more natural feel to user 1300, as articles 1316 allow the user to
bend first article 1308 (corresponding to inner foot 304) and
second article 1210 (corresponding to outer foot 302) in a way that
more closely reflects the curvature of a track, as discussed with
reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
In other words, as shown in the bottom-side views illustrated in
FIGS. 15 and 16, the impact upon running surface 1302 may allow
sole plates 102 to flex along first groove 1312 and second groove
1314. This flexing may provide a natural running experience to user
1300, as article 1316 allows user 1300 to more effectively
accommodate the curves of a track. In FIG. 15, first plate 1304 and
second plate 1306 are both beginning to be bent along grooves 115
in a similar manner as articles 1316 impact the running surface
(not shown). The dotted lines 1504 indicate the position of sole
plates 102 when articles are generally at rest along running
surface 1302. In FIG. 16, as user 1300 applies increased asymmetric
pressure in articles 1316 along the running surface (not shown),
the bending increases along grooves 115. In the embodiments of
FIGS. 15 and 16, first groove 1312 and second groove 1314 are
disposed to favor bending such that a lateral plate portion 1500
may maintain contact with running surface 1302 while a medial plate
portion 1502 may bend further upward. The asymmetrical placement of
grooves 115 allows flexing to occur where it may enhance user 1300
performance, balance, agility, and facilitate a quicker response
time. In other embodiments, the asymmetry may be adjusted to
provide flexing in various areas of each of sole plates 102.
In FIGS. 17-18, a front view of one embodiment of articles 1700 is
shown, including a third article 1702 with third plate 506 and a
fourth article 1704 with fourth plate 508 (third plate 506 and
fourth plate 508 as previously described with reference to FIG. 5).
FIGS. 17-18 represent possible regions of bending and flexibility
of the sole plates. In FIG. 17, articles 1700 are shown at rest
along running surface 1302. Third article 1702 has third groove
510, and fourth article 1704 has fourth groove 512 and fifth groove
522. Third groove 510 has first end 528 corresponding with a first
exposed portion 1714, fourth groove 512 has a first end 532
corresponding with a second exposed portion 1720, and fifth groove
522 has a first end 536 corresponding with a third exposed portion
1724. As discussed earlier with respect to FIG. 5, third plate 506
also includes first lateral plate portion 412 and first medial
plate portion 414, while fourth plate 508 includes second lateral
plate portion 595, second medial plate portion 593, and
intermediate plate portion 594.
In FIG. 18, articles 1700 are contacting running surface 1302 while
articles 1700 experience a force. In some embodiments, the sole
plates may be bent along the asymmetrical flex lines formed by
grooves 115. Third article 1702, as the "inner shoe" (see FIG. 2),
is shown with first lateral plate portion 412 connecting with
running surface 1302, while first medial plate portion 414
(corresponding with first medial side 22) is bent upward relatively
sharply along the axis formed by third groove 510. Fourth article
1704, as the "outer shoe" (see FIG. 2), is also shown with second
medial plate portion 593 connecting with running surface 1302, and
intermediate plate portion 594 and second lateral plate portion 595
(corresponding with second lateral side 26) being bent in a
relatively gradual curve corresponding with fourth groove 512 and
fifth groove 522. Furthermore, in some embodiments, first exposed
portion 1714, second exposed portion 1720, and/or third exposed
portion 1724 may expand in width as force is exerted along grooves
115 and bending occurs. In one embodiment, first exposed portion
1714, second exposed portion 1720, and third exposed portion 1724
may expand to facilitate the bending of the sole plates. In other
embodiments, first exposed portion 1714, second exposed portion
1720, and third exposed portion 1724 may remain the same size, or
become more narrow.
Thus, in different embodiments, grooves 115 can be disposed along
sole plates 102 in a manner that provides improved support,
performance, flexibility, balance, cushioning, and/or traction to
user along a curved track or other ground surfaces.
While various embodiments have been described, the description is
intended to describe examples of the invention, rather than
limiting the invention, and it will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and
implementations are possible that are within the scope of the
embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in
combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in
any other embodiment unless specifically restricted. Accordingly,
the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the
attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications
and changes may be made within the scope of the attached
claims.
* * * * *
References